The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has rejected key aspects of American-Ghanaian comedian Michael Blackson’s account of the treatment of his late mother at the facility, describing his social media claims as containing “numerous inaccuracies”.
In a statement, the medical centre said it had reviewed the concerns raised by Blackson thoroughly, fairly and objectively but would not publicly disclose details of his mother’s diagnosis, treatment or medical records because of patient confidentiality.
Blackson, whose 83-year-old mother died at UGMC on July 16, had taken to social media on August 4 to raise concerns about the care she received at the facility.
His allegations, subsequently reported by Graphic Showbiz, included claims of repeated misdiagnosis, poor patient care, inadequate communication with the family and concerns about the amount of money spent on her treatment.
He also alleged that the family had paid about GH¢250,000 within a month and questioned whether financial considerations had influenced aspects of his mother’s care.
Blackson further recounted an incident involving his sister and a male nurse at the facility.
UGMC, however, has now challenged the accuracy of the account, saying it does not reflect the events surrounding the care provided to Blackson’s mother. (Read Why Michael Blackson is blaming UG Medical Centre over mother’s death)
UGMC: Blackson’s account contains inaccuracies
According to UGMC, Blackson’s mother was referred to the medical centre from a peripheral hospital and stayed there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
“We wish to state unequivocally that the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contain numerous inaccuracies and do not accurately reflect the events that transpired in the provision of medical care to his 83-year-old mother,” the statement said.
The centre, however, stopped short of providing details to counter the specific claims, citing its obligation to protect the patient’s medical and personal information even after her death.
The centre said its decision was guided by “ethical standards” and respect for the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC rejects suggestion of financial influence
UGMC also sought to draw a clear line between its clinical and financial operations.
It said all clinical decisions are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
According to the statement, such decisions are made in consultation with, and with the consent of, designated and authorised family representatives where required.
“Our billing and financial processes are transparent, strictly governed by institutional policies and operate independently of clinical decision-making,” the centre said.
That assertion raises another question: What mechanisms are in place at UGMC to ensure that billing decisions remain completely separate from clinical decisions, particularly in prolonged cases involving substantial medical costs?
The statement, however, did not provide details of the billing in Blackson’s case or respond specifically to his reported claim that the family spent about GH¢250,000 on his mother’s care.
Assault allegation referred to police
On the reported altercation involving Blackson’s sister and a member of staff, UGMC said the matter had been referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The centre declined to comment further, saying it did not consider it appropriate to do so while the matter was before the authorities.
It nevertheless said it remained prepared to engage privately with the family and investigate any specific allegation of misconduct by a staff member.
The statement said any such allegation would be investigated fully and, where warranted, referred to the relevant authorities.
The UGMC response effectively sets up a difficult situation in which the family and the medical centre have presented conflicting accounts, but the centre says it cannot publicly disclose the medical information needed to address specific allegations.
For now, UGMC is asking the public to distinguish between the allegations made by Blackson and what it says are the facts surrounding his mother’s care.
The centre also encouraged patients and their families with concerns about their experiences to use its Client Services channels for complaints and review.
UGMC said it was committed to handling the matter with “fairness, professionalism, and respect for all parties involved”.
